Allardyce gets new transfer warning at Newcastle

He told the Sunday Sun: "We had nine new signings in the summer . . . I think part of the difficulty we've had - particularly in defence - is getting those guys working together.

"I'm not convinced adding another two names in defence is necessarily going to be the solution this season.

"If I made any signings in January, they'd be young guys who I could see staying for a very long time, not immediate first-team regulars."

Braced for the prospect of losing Abdoulaye Faye, Habib Beye, Geremi and Obafemi Martins for six weeks or more in January and February to the African Nations Cup, Allardyce may beg to differ.

But Mort insists: "Sam's not pitched to me that we need to sign players because of that tournament.

"If I was going to sign anyone it would be with a much longer-term view than January and February."

That means a policy shift at a club synonymous with trophy signings.

"Yes, we're looking to build a first- team squad capable of competing at the top level, but we are also looking to improve at youth level and make signings there," says Mort.

"That's an area which Newcastle United, historically, hasn't worried too much about. But Arsenal are the classic club to look at and see the value of making very smart young signings and developing players."